Description: A delightful twist on classic macaroni salad, this recipe combines the creamy, tangy flavors of deviled eggs with the satisfying texture of macaroni. It’s a perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple family meal. This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 12 large eggs – hard-boiled and peeled
- 1 lb elbow macaroni – cooked and cooled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- 1/2 cup celery – finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion – finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickles – finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (optional, for color)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Eggs: Begin by carefully slicing the hard-boiled eggs in half. Gently scoop out the yolks from each half, placing them into a large mixing bowl. Once all yolks are separated, coarsely chop the remaining egg whites and set them aside in a separate bowl. This separation is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance in our salad.
Step 2: Craft the Deviled Egg Dressing: In the mixing bowl containing the egg yolks, use a fork to thoroughly mash the yolks until they become finely crumbled and smooth. To these mashed yolks, add the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir all the ingredients together vigorously until they are fully combined, creating a luscious, creamy dressing. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your palate.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked and cooled elbow macaroni, chopped egg whites, finely chopped celery, red onion, dill pickles, and optional fresh parsley to the bowl containing the deviled egg dressing. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the macaroni to become mushy.
Step 4: Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer (up to 4 hours), to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify. Chilling the salad also helps to improve its texture, making it more refreshing and enjoyable.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve: Before serving, remove the salad from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. Sprinkle the top of the salad with a generous dusting of paprika for a classic deviled egg look and an extra touch of flavor. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired, for added visual appeal. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is more than just a simple side dish; it’s a nostalgic comfort food with a delightful twist. The creamy, tangy deviled egg dressing perfectly complements the tender macaroni, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. The addition of crunchy celery, red onion, and dill pickles adds a wonderful textural contrast, while the optional parsley provides a pop of freshness and color. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering or a quick and easy meal for your family, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and seasonings to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:
- Barbecue Companion: Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or chicken for a classic summer barbecue feast.
- Picnic Perfect: Pack it in a cooler for a picnic in the park or a day at the beach.
- Potluck Staple: Bring it to your next potluck or gathering – it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy a scoop of this salad as a light and refreshing lunch on a warm day.
- Side Dish Delight: Serve it as a side dish with sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente, as it will continue to soften as it sits in the dressing.
- Customize the Dressing: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise, mustard, and apple cider vinegar to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or green onions, for added flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill or chives would also be delicious additions to this salad.
- Make it Ahead: This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Total Time: 30 mins
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 12-15 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 400-500 mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is a fantastic recipe that brings together the best of two classic dishes. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a hit with family and friends. The creamy, tangy flavors of deviled eggs combined with the satisfying texture of macaroni make this salad a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, potluck, or family meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and memorable salad that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of macaroni in this salad?
A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can certainly substitute it with other types of pasta such as shells, rotini, or penne. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente and allow it to cool completely before adding it to the salad.
Q2: Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, this salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the taste. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Q3: Can I add any other ingredients to customize this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable, and you can add a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular additions include chopped bell peppers, carrots, green onions, fresh dill, or chives. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Q4: How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?
A: This salad will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, as long as it is stored in an airtight container. However, it is best enjoyed within the first 24-48 hours, as the macaroni may start to soften and the dressing may become slightly watery over time.
Q5: Can I make this salad lighter by using low-fat mayonnaise?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this salad lighter by using low-fat mayonnaise or a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. This will significantly reduce the fat and calorie content of the salad without sacrificing too much of the flavor and texture. Just be aware that low-fat mayonnaise may have a slightly different taste and consistency than regular mayonnaise.
